The Fitzwilliam Hotel
Dublin

Dublin's most luxurious design hotel, The Fitzwilliam was designed by Sir Terence Conran and is ideally located on the corner of St Stephen's Green and Grafton Street. Modern and original, The Fitzwilliam is the place to come for those who are looking for a change from traditional period hotels. Relaxed and friendly, this privately owned hotel prides itself on the small touches that really make a difference from complimentary wifi, personalised service and fresh flowers in every room. The hotel's 139 rooms are original and fresh; electric geometric carpets, Paul Smith bed throws and cushions, Farrow & Ball walls and ornate gilded gold mirrors give the room character while practical features such as window seats make rooms feel even larger than they are; many also look out over the peaceful Asian style courtyard garden. Dining options range from Thorntons, an excellent Michelin-starred restaurant and real Dublin institution, to the informal Citron restaurant and buzzing Inn on the Green bar.

My favourite thing is to go where I've never been.
Diane Arbus